Sustainability

Sustainability, derived from the idea of "sustainable development" in the 1987 reports of the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, is "meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." At Fermilab we are committed to using resources in this way – striving for energy efficiency, utilizing renewable energy sources, and designing buildings to minimize waste.

At Fermilab we make every effort to integrate environmental consideration in everything we do. Throughout our history we have set standards and goals to become more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Fermilab has done this by avoiding harm to cultural resources and by protecting species, natural habitats and ecologically sensitive areas. In addition, Fermilab has also minimized emissions and effluents by employing pollution prevention and waste reduction practices. By educating experimenters and helping employees across the lab to appreciate and protect our environmental resources, Fermilab has created a culture of sustainability that will be part of the laboratory for years to come.